Avery's shoes clicked gently against the wooden floor of the church. She was relieved to see it was empty, although not many people really came here so late at night.
Only the ones desperate for help.
"Please," her voice was quiet, but it still echoed off the walls. "I know it has been a long time since I have come to you. But it's not because I lost faith."
She looked up at the crucifix, and her hands shook as she rested them against the pew in front of her. She thought briefly and rather crazily, how it was the first time in awhile that she hadn't bothered to do her hair or her make up. And how daggy she looked in an old pair of sweatpants and a plain white tshirt.
"I'm only 15." Her voice quivered. "Oh gosh, I'm only 15! I don't know what to do!"
Avery's breath caught in her throat and she struggled for a moment before she could continue.
"I know I can't terminate. I couldn't... but I don't see another way. Talan's not ready for this... I'm not ready for this... and I can't put this on JD. Oh please... please watch over me."
Lo stood in the doorway, unnoticed by her friend. She wiped away a tear that had slid down her cheek, and slowly made her way over to the other girl, eyebrows furrowed in concern.
"How am I meant to deal with this?" Avery asked.
"With my help," Lo answered softly.
Avery looked up in surprise, realising that Lo had heard the whole thing.
"I didn't see you at dinner," Lo went on. "So I came looking. And Jake said he'd seen you in this area... oh Aves..."
Lo sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulder, and Avery folded into her friend, resting on the other girl for support.
"We'll work something out," Lo soothed. "JD will understand. Talan won't turn his back on this. We're all going to be here for you. If you like, we'll go downside and grab Lauren and we'll disappear for awhile, just so you can get it together and make a decision."
Avery was silent, her fingers absently running over the woodgrain of the chair.
"You're not a bad person if you give it up," Lo whispered. "You're not a bad person for thinking it."
Avery looked over at her friend and tried to smile, failing miserably. "Can we really disappear?"
"Say the word and we're gone."